Rising country singer CJ Beach has died at 22 following a single-car crash in Florida, his father confirmed.
Charlie Beach announced the death of his son, CJ, 22, of Tallahassee, in an emotional Facebook post on Sunday, one day after the early morning accident. The Florida Highway Patrol told the Tallahassee Democrat that CJ Beach’s vehicle ran off the road at 1:15 a.m. Saturday and struck several trees. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The younger Beach had performed at The Salty Donkey, a restaurant and tiki bar in Panacea, Florida, on Friday evening, just hours before the fatal crash. His final Instagram post came on November 3, when he shared video of himself playing guitar and singing his song “Cigarettes.” That post has since filled with condolences from fans.
Charlie Beach used his Facebook announcement to both mourn his son and push for road safety changes at the crash site.
“I appreciate all of the outpouring feelings and thoughts about my son CJ,” he wrote. “Seeing all the post with pictures and videos kills me, but I know he was loved by many and will be missed.”
He then asked supporters to lobby county commissioners for warning lights and signs where the accident occurred.
“That is what I ask for in memory of my son CJ,” he concluded. “Please help me out.”
Beach had established himself as a fixture in the local music scene through more than his own performances. He founded the annual Deadmen Walking Festival in Wakulla County in 2022, an event supporting independent and local artists across Wakulla County and Tallahassee. The festival blends rock, country, and new-age music.
Radio station X101.5 Tallahassee paid tribute to Beach on Facebook, sharing video of him performing at the Deadmen Walking Festival in Crawfordville, Florida, this past April.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of one of the most talented young musicians from our area in a long time. RIP Cj Beach 💔,” the station wrote.
“Sending our condolences to everyone in the local music community, CJ’s friends and family, and anyone who was ever lucky enough to hear him play live,” the post continued. “Here is a short clip from this past April’s Deadmen Walking festival in Crawfordville, which CJ organized and brought the community and several musicians together for an amazing night of live music. Rest easy, CJ.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.